Trip Guide: Beginner Cross Country Ski and Yoga in Sweden

Northern Sweden in winter means quiet valleys, forest tracks and very few other people out there. You’ll spend the week learning to cross-country ski, building from your first wobbly kilometre up to days of 8 to 25 kilometres, with yoga in between to sort out your legs and back. Snowshoe out to spots the ski trails don’t reach, and finish each evening in a family-run mountain hotel where the sauna is always on and the ice bath is entirely optional. Here’s everything you need to know before joining us in the mountains.

Getting There

This trip is in Sweden, but you fly into Trondheim in Norway, as that’s where you’ll find the most regular flights. From London there’s a direct flight on the way out with Norwegian, and plenty of options for a connecting flight to Trondheim via Oslo or Bergen. From there the group transfer collects you for the scenic three hour drive across the Norwegian-Swedish border to your hotel

Fitness & Skill Level

Now for the reality check. Cross-country skiing demands good cardiovascular fitness and mental readiness for a sport that’s equal parts gliding grace and “why did I think this was a good idea?” The key word here is consecutive – you’ll be active for several days running, which tests your stamina differently than single workout sessions.

This isn’t gentle touring. You’ll generate power through your entire body, balance on moving skis, and work hard on uphill sections. The comparison to “running with skis on” is accurate – long flat sections and climbs will get your heart pumping and legs burning. If sliding, falling, or losing control makes you anxious, this sport genuinely might not suit you.

Sleep & Eat

You’ll stay at a cosy family-owned hotel with a restaurant well known for its great meals. The views are spectacular and you can ski right from the door.

The rooms are simple, there’s a cosy lobby, a lounge with a bar and a small spa for a quick dip and sauna. There’s also a ski area where you can wax your skis.

The delicious food on this trip is a real highlight. You’ll have a breakfast buffet and packed lunch for your days out. Dinner will either be at the hotel’s fantastic restaurant, or in a renowned Brasserie just up from the hotel. One evening you’ll eat at a cabin 1050 metres above sea level with magnificent views. For every meal the focus will be on local produce and authentic flavours from the region.

Weather

Temperatures around -10°C are considered perfect for cross-country skiing, but you may sometimes have conditions that are more like -20°C. This sounds cold, however, for most of the winter in Sweden it is a “dry” cold which tends to feel less cold than a”damp” one. It will still cut through you though if you don’t have the right layers on.

Snow conditions are generally excellent throughout winter. Trail maintenance means guides can find good skiing regardless of recent weather patterns.

Good To Know

Communication: There’s free WiFi throughout the hotel, so staying connected isn’t an issue.

Tipping: Tipping is not compulsory on our adventures, but if you’ve had a great trip and brilliant service, a tip for your guide or host is always appreciated. We recommend giving 200-300 SEK, or whatever you can or feel is the right amount.

Packing List

What We Provide

• • Cross-country skis (properly fitted to height and weight)
  • Ski boots (we’ll help achieve perfect fit)
  • Ski poles (correctly sized)
  • What You Need to Bring

On the Skis

• • Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support — for snowshoeing day, mandatory
  • Base layers — merino or synthetic, bring a selection (you may want to layer two on colder days)
  • Long johns
  • Fleece mid-layer
  • Breathable, windproof shell jacket (a hiking waterproof works well)
  • Softshell winter hiking trousers — windproof, water-repellent, breathable
  • Warm packable insulated or down jacket (for stops and cold days)
  • Waterproof trousers (recommended for cold or snowy conditions)
  • Selection of socks in different thicknesses — wool is best for hire boot fit
  • Warm hat
  • Buff — bring two if you can (one for your neck, one as a headband)
  • Warm ski gloves or mittens — bring two pairs in case one gets wet
  • Thin gloves for warmer sessions when you’re generating heat
  • Glove liners and hand warmers if you suffer from cold hands
  • Sunglasses — polarised if you have them
  • 25 litre daypack

Off the Skis

• • Yoga wear
  • Casual evening clothes
  • Nightwear
  • Slippers for the hotel
  • Swimwear for the sauna (optional — Swedes are happily nude but you do you)
  • Neoprene booties for ice bathing (optional)

Personal Kit

• • Insulated water bottle — not a hydration bladder, it will freeze
  • Thermos for hot drinks on the trails
  • Lunchbox for packed lunch days
  • Sunscreen — UV reflects strongly off snow even in winter
  • Compeed or Moleskin blister plasters
  • Paracetamol and ibuprofen — both are significantly more expensive in Sweden
  • Any prescription medication
  • Snacks for the trails
  • Dry bags to keep kit dry inside your pack
  • Waterproof phone case
  • Travel adaptor

Optional

• • Camera
  • Soap flakes for hand-washing base layers if you’re packing light
  • English teabags (Swedish hotels don’t always deliver on this front)

Packing Tips

Critical Fabric Guidelines: Avoid cotton – it gets wet, stays wet, and makes you really cold. Wool or synthetic base layers regulate your body temperature and manage moisture. Merino wool doesn’t retain odours like synthetics but synthetic layers dry faster.

What vital items do I need to pack? Other than a good layering system, vital items include warm socks, sunglasses, sunscreen, waterproof and insulated gloves, a buff and hat. Also don’t forget comfy clothes for yoga and evenings in the hotel, as well as swimwear for the spa and polar plunge.

Trip Code SWEBRUXCSB – Include this code in any message so we can find your trip straight away.